#CMCon18 Beach Bonfire Q&A with HD Smith

As one of the #CMCon18 featured bloggers, I get to have a little fun with a few of the fabulous authors who will be hitting the beach for Coastal Magic 2018 by showcasing their many stories.

Writing short stories, even mini-fiction, can’t always be worked into a writing schedule; so for those authors who may not be able to let their characters play in the sand, I’ve invited them to a nighttime beach bonfire to have a drink, listen to the crashing waves, and answer a few questions of my own.

Joining me in the sand is HD Smith, author of the Devil’s Assistant and Good Bad Guys series!
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HD Smith

Can you tell us a little about yourself, something readers may not have heard before?

I have a brother that is one year older and a sister than is nine years younger than me.

The official bio reads: HD Smith grew up in a small town in South Carolina. After high school she attended several schools on the quest to discover the perfect “day job”. After working for a year she went back to school for a Masters Degree in Computer Science. Then after another year, she asked, “Is this it?” She decided the answer was “no” and started writing her first book, Keegan’s Point. HD still has the day job, which she loves, but writing brings a new joy to her life that work alone can’t accomplish.

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Can you introduce us to the world(s) that you have created?

My urban fantasy is set in an alternate version of our Earth where magic and other realms exists but isn’t known by the normal population. My style is realistic world with magic … except for book 4, which concludes my series and has more magic use than the first three books combined.

Will this be your first Coastal Magic or are you a veteran? What was it about Coastal Magic that drew you to it? Why have you continued to return?

I have been to all but the very first Coastal Magic. Year 2 I attended as a reader, Year 3 I was a signing author, Year 4 & 5 I was a Featured Author. This is one of my favorite events every year.

If you’ve been before, what is your favorite CMC memory? If you’ve never been, what are you looking forward to?

My fondest memories are the first year I attended (year 2). My first book was being released a month after the event and I had no clue what a reader conference was like. That year they had all the meet and greets at different times, so I made it a point to go to every one and talk to as many authors as possible. It was a great experience and I learned a lot about being an author at an event.

Is there any character that didn’t make as big of an impact on the story that you thought they would?  Is there a character who stayed on the page longer than you thought they would?

In book 4 (the final book in the series) the Oracle was originally intended to be someone else, but she became her own character and I modified the ending to fit.

Which do you find is more central in your writing: the characters or world creation? Why?

The characters are more important. They drive the story and it is easier to change or expand the world to fit their needs, than the other way around. Changing the world without having a character to interact within the new parameters is useless. The characters are key to the stories success.

When you’re not writing, what are you reading? Have you found an author that’s new to you and/or one that the rest of the world really needs to find? Is there a certain niche genre that you prefer to escape to? If so, why?

I listen to a lot of audiobooks. I was excited to discover Audible’s new Romance Package. I have listened to several new to me authors this way. I’ll mention three: Kristen Painter (Nocturne Falls), Vi Keeland, and Katie Reus (Deadly Ops).

Don’t miss your chance to meet over 50 fabulous urban fantasy, paranormal, and romance authors at Coastal Magic next February! This super casual book-lover weekend happens on Daytona Beach, and gives everyone the chance to hang out with fellow readers and amazing storytellers.

REGISTRATION is now open! If you haven’t been to Coastal Magic yet, you’re missing out on a lot of fun. Be sure to keep up with all things Coastal Magic, by following it via your own personal social media drug of choice: Facebook | Twitter | Google+ | Pinterest | RSVP at the Facebook Event.

About Jackie 3282 Articles
I am a 30-something SAHM with two adorable boys and a supportive husband who is very tolerant of my reading addiction. I love to read and easily go through about a dozen books a month – well I did before I had kids. Now, not so much. After my first son was born, I began to take my hobby of reviewing a little more serious and started Literary Escapism to help with my sanity. I love to discuss the fabulous novels I’ve read and meeting all the wonderful people in the book blogging community has been amazing.